The European Union, recognising the urgent humanitarian needs in the Greater Horn of Africa, has swiftly allocated an additional € 122 million for aid. This assistance is crucial for vulnerable populations grappling with conflicts, drought, and floods. The funding, with a primary focus on food, nutrition, water, and sanitation services, is a timely response to the pressing needs. Specifically, the EU will allocate €42 million to Ethiopia, €40 million to Somalia, and €40 million to South Sudan, bringing the total EU aid to the Greater Horn of Africa to over €421 million for this year. Furthermore, an extra €56 million was allocated in April to address the crisis in Sudan.
“As humanitarian needs continue to grow in the Horn of Africa, so are we increasing our humanitarian aid to this region, one of the most vulnerable in the world,” noted Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management.
Ethiopia is facing a dire humanitarian situation, with over 10 million people critically food insecure during the lean season. Additionally, over 4.5 million people are internally displaced, and more than one million refugees, including recent arrivals from Sudan, are being hosted. Infectious disease outbreaks are also adding to the crisis. In Somalia, nearly 7 million people need life-saving assistance due to flooding and drought. South Sudan is experiencing a sharp economic situation; at least 80,000 people are expected to be in famine-like conditions. The prospect of new floods in September is worrying, especially for areas still recovering from previous floods.
“The EU’s aid will help address the worrying levels of food insecurity, contribute towards meeting the different multi-sectoral needs of the affected communities, contain the spread of infectious diseases and support displaced people, newly-arrived refugees and their host communities, including those fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan,” Janez Lenarčič emphasised.
